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bagpiperstephen

February 20, 2015

Uh yes…. The eventual question. The question everyone wants to know the answer to but some are too shy to ask.

There are many different ways to answer this question. My step-father, who was a Highland from Dunoon, Scotland when asked “What’s worn under the kilt?” would respond “Nothing, it’s all in perfect working order”. That’s a pretty clever answer to a question that is quite delicate.

For every bagpiper or Scotsman it really comes down to a preference. Some things entering the debate on whether to or not to are:

Am I a strict traditionalist? Should I go as the lads did in the movie Braveheart due to some allegiance to practices of a bygone era? This is probably more likely than most people think as we are playing tunes that were written centuries ago…

Weather. It is hot, humid or chilly out. You can figure out the implications of this debate. Or is it windy? Wind can be very revealing. Haha.

Are there any ladders or stairs to be climbed during the outing? I know in one instance I had to climb up into the pilot’s area at the top of a boat and the ladder were pretty much vertical. Lucky I was prepared. 😉

Wool. Is it itchy? It can be. The comfort factor might weigh in on this one.

Health implications. Years ago I read somewhere that briefs were bad for men. So it might be for health that a man goes without.

I know I’ve faced this question many times. Most men are too embarrassed to ask so the majority of the time I am asked by women. And I’m more often asked on St. Patrick’s Day than at any other time of the year. I guess green beer emboldens even the most timid souls. I usually refrain from answering or if I do I tell them you’re going to have to ask my wife…. 🙂

bagpiperstephen

December 12, 2013

Since a young age I’ve been affected by the sound of the bagpipe. Like many people the sound of a well tuned bagpipe, rich with harmonics and well played has stirred my innermost being. I am sure many of you have had a similar experience but for some they remain completely unaffected- why?

Firstly, I want to mention that having that deep emotional experience is really a gift and some people who don’t experience it don’t get what the fuss is about. It’s a shame that they cannot experience it. Sound and music can affect our mood. Movie soundtracks have a profound affect on how we appreciate a movie or film, try watching a favorite movie without sound and you’ll see what I mean. Favorite music takes us back to times in our past and can trigger memories. But the bagpipe is unique in the depth of emotion it can draw out of a person.

I’ve experienced that emotion myself and have seen its effect many times when performing. The most visceral reaction I have ever witnessed was the unrestrained moan of a 14 year old autistic boy at his father’s funeral. I played Amazing Grace and He had such an outpouring of emotion that he was louder than the pipes. I almost stopped playing for fear I was upsetting him too much.

The appreciation of the bagpipe is often linked to a person’s heritage. People whose lineage can be traced back to Scotland, Ireland, England or Wales have a deep connection to the bagpipes. This deep appreciation can also work in the hearts of other people but it is not the norm.

On the more positive side I’ve played the pipes and seen tears of joy in people’s faces. I once played for a bride who, when she heard me, started jumping up and down for joy. She started to tear up and I told her her to stop- she was going to ruin her makeup! I’ve played for seniors- again with tears of joy streaming down their faces as they recount days of old when I play favorites like Danny Boy, When Irish Eyes are Smiling and Amazing Grace.

I truly believe that the love of the bagpipes is a heart issue. You are either born with it or your not. It’s not something you grow into or out of. It comes from your ancestry and your bloodline. It’s a divisive instrument as well. There usually is not too much middle ground, you either love them or you do not. For those of us who do- we are very fortunate.

Personally the biggest reason I play the bagpipes and learned to play them well was the sound and how I loved it. My goal when starting was always to play a bagpipe with rich harmonics, a soaring lovely sound that carries and moves me and other people. I am very fortunate to play this instrument and I never tire of loving every minute of the performance and I am so thankful I am able to do so for so many other people.